CHAPTER IX.

_The obtaining of peace, and zeal for improvement._

*WE might enjoy much peace, if we would not busy ourselves with the words and deeds of others, in which we have no concern.

How can he live long in peace, that meddles with the cares of others, and little or seldom recollecteth himself within his own breast?

Blessed are the single-hearted, for they shall enjoy much peace.

2. We are too much taken up with our own passions, and too ♦solicitous for transitory things.

♦ “sollicitous” replaced with “solicitous”

We are not inflamed with a fervent desire to grow better every day; and therefore we remain cold and indifferent.

3. If we were dead unto ourselves, and disengaged from low affections, then we should relish divine things:

But when any adversity befalleth us, we turn ourselves to human comforts.

4. If we would endeavour, like men of courage, to stand in the battle, we should surely feel the assistance of God from heaven:

*For he furnishes us with occasions of striving, that we may conquer.

If we place our progress in religion, only in outward observances, our devotion will quickly be at an end.

But let us lay the axe to the root, that being freed from passions, we may find rest to our souls.